Barton Weeks elected COO of Duda

The board of directors of A. Duda & Sons Inc., a family-owned, diversified land company based in Oviedo, FL, has appointed Barton Weeks chief operating officer of the corporation.

Mr. Weeks, who has worked for the company for 25 years, is retaining his responsibilities as chief financial officer. He will report to Joseph A. Duda, president and chief executive officer of the corporation.

"Bart brings the right experience and abilities to this position as we implement our business strategy as a diversified land company," Mr. Duda said in an Aug. 26 press release. "His business acumen and depth of knowledge of our diversified operations qualifies him for this important role."

In his new position, Mr. Weeks will be responsible for managing the overall conduct and execution of the company's day-to-day operating businesses as guided by the corporation's strategic direction and for meeting the expectations for bottom-line operating results on a consolidated level. Duda's diversified businesses include Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., a fresh fruit and vegetable subsidiary; Duda Products Inc., processed citrus and grove operations; The Viera Co., a real estate development subsidiary; and Duda Ranches, an agriculture operations business unit (sugarcane, cattle and sod).

Mr. Weeks joined Duda in 1984 as an economic analyst and subsequently held positions in planning and finance, including corporate controller and corporate vice president of planning, mergers and acquisitions. In 2005, he was appointed chief executive officer of The Viera Co., having served previously as its chief financial officer. He was appointed CFO of Duda in 2007.

Mr. Weeks holds a master's degree in applied economics and a bachelor of science degree in business administration in economics from the University of Central Florida. He has attended the Harvard Graduate School of Business for agribusiness studies.

Mr. Weeks lives in Oviedo with his wife, Libby, and their two children.